Major car brand to unveil new sporty flagship motor in days with ‘UK-first’ feature
A HUGE car brand is set to reveal their new flagship motor in just days with a new twist.
The fresh model will have an illuminated front badge – in a first for the UK market.
German giant Volkswagen is releasing a new version its classic Golf car – the GTI Clubsport.
It’ll be unveiled at this weekend’s Nurburgring 24-hour race in Germany.
The updated car will come with “sport-tuned suspension” and have a “meaner-looking face”, Autocar reports.
It’ll have a reworked 2 litre petrol engine – although with no more power than the current version.
The refreshed version is expected to be slightly faster than its predecessor.
Alongside the new front badge, the car’s nose has been lowered and its grille reworked – giving it a so-called “angry demeanour”.
It’ll also come with a new leather steering wheel, infotainment system and a reshaped rear end.
Flash pictures show the fresh car design – with a geometric pink and blue design covering the motor’s exterior.
It comes as the Mini is set to be released in two new models – both petrol and electric.
The motor will rival Volkswagen‘s explosive Golf GTI – and is set to “push boundaries” in the industry with a “bold move”.
Full details and specifications are likely to surface closer to the car’s release in autumn.
But clues arising from the race-ready style show new air intakes, a rear diffuser and roof spoiler, suggesting an aggressive appearance.
According to Autocar it is expected to retain its 2.0-litre engine, although a power boost may be in store to keep up with its hot hatch rival the Golf GTI, which boasts 241HP.
The Nurburgring race promises to put both motors through gruelling tests as the event unfolds from June 1-2.
Volkswagen recently revealed it will retire GTX branding for EVs – to make way for its first electric GTI and R models.
The surprising move will likely mean VW will no longer launch cars in the GTX line, although there doesn’t appear to be a plan to rebadge any of its current range.
In an interview with Autocar, VW CEO Thomas Schafer confirmed the branding will be phased out.
He said: “GTX is the performance brand of the MEB [platform], but we’ll work our way back to GTI and R in the next products going forward.”